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Fall steelhead fishing is not a fair-weather pursuit. As fall fronts push inland, temperatures drop and tributaries swell with rain from cold, grey skies, the fish start running upstream -- and you need to be there too. Standing thigh-deep in water just this side of freezing while also being pelted by drizzle that freezes on your eyelets is about more than grit; it is about having the correct outer layer, something designed to keep the rain out and the warmth in while still allowing you to breathe. Pick the correct wading rain jacket and your day could last for hours; pick the wrong one, and it could be reduced to minutes.
Heavy PVC slickers are great at keeping heavy downpours off your back, but if you wear them while hiking from spot to spot, they will become a personal sauna. Once sweat becomes trapped inside, it invites cold in and becomes as dangerous as the rain itself.
Instead of simply waterproof, you need three-layer protection: a rugged outer layer for overall protection, a waterproof-breathable barrier to keep water out, and a protective inner layer to keep moisture out while drawing sweat away. This means focusing on materials such as Gore-Tex, Toray, or similar proprietary fabrics.
Even if you already own the perfect hiking rain jacket, it will likely fall short in the stream. First, the longer length of a hiking jacket compared to the above-the-belt cut of a wading jacket usually causes the hem to drag in the water and defeat the purpose of staying dry. Second, a wading jacket’s design focuses as much on mobility as on protection. Casting, netting, or working a centerpin requires unrestricted arm and shoulder movement. Gusseted underarms and articulated sleeves keep your forearms covered when you reach forward.
Once you find a few possible wading jackets, it is time to narrow the field. This is where some must-have features will make the decision easier and your time on the stream more comfortable.
1. Gasket cuffs: It is impossible to spend a day on the water without having to reach into the water. Every time you release a fish or reach into the net, you are dunking your wrists into the cold water. Gasket cuffs let you do this without drenching your base-layer sleeves, which will eventually soak up more as the day goes on.
2. Waist Cinch: Having a drawstring cinch at the bottom or mid-waist of the wading jacket is about more than looks. This feature helps seal out splashing chop or wind.
3. Storm hood: A three-point adjustable storm hood, with a stiff brim, does more than keep your head dry. This important feature protects your peripheral vision and lets you wear a ballcap or beanie underneath for added protection.
4. Storage: There are many situations where all a rain jacket needs to be is protection from the elements. Fishing is not one of those times. When fishing, your rain jacket needs to provide protection and storage; after all, your vest is likely covered and inaccessible. Oversized chest pockets, hand warmer pouches, and clip points for tools aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential.